Project Hundy Build Thread - 2000 UZJ100 Land Cruiser

[Chris Boyd]

we bounced down the trail I ordered up the GPS-710 module and crossed my fingers it would show up before I rolled out for the Moab to CruiserFest trip in just a few days. I placed the order on Thursday and it must have arrived Saturday as I was greeted by the box when I returned home Sunday. The install took literally 5 minutes and after adjusting a few radio settings, it was working.)

After the poor performance of my HT on this trip and missing having APRS as an alternate tracking method to my Satellite locator, I formulated a plan to get a D710 into my rig. I have one in my work truck and while I was passing through northern Virginia today, popped in to HRO and picked up two GreenLightLabs units for my 710s. Been meaning to do it for years, but after talking with you, I made it a priority. Popped the one in on my work truck in less than 5 minutes!

Next project is to install the other D710 into my Hundy!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

After the poor performance of my HT on this trip and missing having APRS as an alternate tracking method to my Satellite locator, I formulated a plan to get a D710 into my rig. I have one in my work truck and while I was passing through northern Virginia today, popped in to HRO and picked up two GreenLightLabs units for my 710s. Been meaning to do it for years, but after talking with you, I made it a priority. Popped the one in on my work truck in less than 5 minutes!

Next project is to install the other D710 into my Hundy!

You would be a perfect candidate for APRS, i.e. love the practicality but just nerdy enough to implement it

You probably already know this but I'm told the successor to the D710 will have GPS built into the head unit, thus no more GLL or an additional box. Non-issue for me as I already had the D710 and the GLL box isn't a dealbreaker for my mounting but for some the new model will really be ideal. I will be curious to see the price, will the D710GPS cost more than the D710+GLL?

 

[Chris Boyd]

You would be a perfect candidate for APRS, i.e. love the practicality but just nerdy enough to implement it

You probably already know this but I'm told the successor to the D710 will have GPS built into the head unit, thus no more GLL or an additional box. Non-issue for me as I already had the D710 and the GLL box isn't a dealbreaker for my mounting but for some the new model will really be ideal. I will be curious to see the price, will the D710GPS cost more than the D710+GLL?

You should have seen the nerdy setup I had for APRS before the GLL. It was cool, but problematic enough that I took it out. The GLL is just plain simple.

I actually asked about it at HRO when I was there Wednesday and they said no ETA. I'm guessing they'll try to be in price parity with the 710+GLL, but in Kenwood style, they'll just miss the mark and be higher and probably add some silly features to make up for it.

Love my 710 though. Wish I would have had it in the 100 for the CruiserFest.

I did manage to lookup your APRS tracks for the trip and I'd say it was pretty good coverage. If you want access to my satellite tracks, let me know.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...I did manage to lookup your APRS tracks for the trip and I'd say it was pretty good coverage. If you want access to my satellite tracks, let me know.

Absolutely, I'd love to take a peak at them

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Let there be more light!

I've been absolutely thrilled with my IronMoose LED light bar but it is strictly a flood. While it offers fantastic light on slower trail conditions and as a flood at camp or during recovery... it didn't help my need for something out on the horizon. I have IPF lights on the front bumper and they had served me well, they are actually a combo set consisting of one flood and one spot. While the housings look near identical the lens and reflectors are different thus producing different light. With a single set of aux. lights in play, they were a great solution but as after adding the light bar on the rack, they lower flood became near obsolete and was literally drowned out by LED bar. The decision wasn't easy as the new ARB LED offerings are not tilted to the low end of the price scale however the technology is solid (built by Rigid) and I by far prefer the round light and easy fitment on my ARB winchbar. The ARB LED's are available in both a flood and spot configuration, as my flood needs are covered I opted for the spots. As I already had a high capacity light harness installed (OE IPF setup) I opted not to use the ARB LED specific harness rather I swapped connectors as my IPF's harness used a connector similar to a weatherpack and the LED's use a Deutsch connector. Beyond that it was a matter of swapping the lights themselves and plugging them in. Let me just say the initial testing is impressive. I still need to figure out a way to take some good night shots with the limited camera equipment/skills I have. I think they look right at home:

 

[Guambomb]

Looking forward to more of your thoughts on these. Thinking about getting a pair myself.

 

[Equipt]

Very nice Kurt! I have been pondering these for the 5th Gen too.

Cheers,

 

[fireball]

Those look awesome, just looked them up to find $726 per lamp? Is that the correct cost? So with 2 lamps and wiring harness $1500?

For that cost it better light up the whole neighborhood. And cook me breakfast in the morning

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Looking forward to more of your thoughts on these. Thinking about getting a pair myself.

Very nice Kurt! I have been pondering these for the 5th Gen too.

Cheers,

So far, two thumbs up. I was out on a recovery last night in the Newfoundland Mountains (some of the most remote mtns in Utah though just 20 miles from an Interstate) and we didn't get the Jeep out of the mud flat until after dark. I had a date night with the misses back in town so it was time to motor and with familiar roads in good shape, we lit up the night and pushed hard towards home. The combo flood pattern light bar and ARB spots was perfect, I never felt like I was out driving my lights and I had wide visibility for animals or obstructions around the next bend. With both LED systems in play, the factory headlight system (with upgraded bulbs and harness) may have been off, no negligible difference really.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Those look awesome, just looked them up to find $726 per lamp? Is that the correct cost? So with 2 lamps and wiring harness $1500?

For that cost it better light up the whole neighborhood. And cook me breakfast in the morning

The elephant in the room, they are pricey. I think a savvy shopper could land a pair with the harness for more like sub $1400, obviously not a huge difference in your assumed price tag but every little bit counts. ARB spared no expense in the design and manufacture of these lights (which are made by LED legend Rigid). From the tig-welded stainless steel mounts to the sealed trim ring, these things scream quality and have about ever mil-spec and industry accreditation you can ask for in an LED. High dollar lights are nothing new to the industry... I was just down at the Baja 1000 last week and noted trucks with $20k worth of lighting on vehicles that have a high propensity to wreck, roll or get things removed by trees. But, when light counts... there is no substitute. What is different about the ARB LED's is a functional use of round lights which many prefer for mounting and aesthetics as well as their ability to provide a better spot light imo. Would I tell everyone they need to invest in them? Absolutely not, there are a variety of lower cost options that would fit their needs however for those running mid-range lights and wanting more out of their setups... these will satisfy everything but your wife's temper.

 

[p1michaud]

Let there be more light!

I pondered these for quite some time. Nice lights.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I pondered these for quite some time. Nice lights.

Not sure how the recent trends are shaping up but for some time the ARB LED's were selling faster in Aus than in the US, despite being made on this side of the pond. Not sure how the dollar exchange works out? I think you would be very pleased

 

[p1michaud]

Not sure how the recent trends are shaping up but for some time the ARB LED's were selling faster in Aus than in the US, despite being made on this side of the pond. Not sure how the dollar exchange works out? I think you would be very pleased

I believe that the trend is continuing. Truth is, I walked in to the ARB store cash in hand to buy a set but there was a 2 to 3 month wait just as they were being released in Australia in the early part of this year. The sales person told me that when they come in, they just can't keep them on the shelves! They are going for $785 AUD a piece here. Christmas deal sees you walk out the door with a free wiring loom. I ended up with a set of LightForce Genesis 50w HID, a solid light designed and built here in Australia. Have to support the locals guys you know...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I believe that the trend is continuing. Truth is, I walked in to the ARB store cash in hand to buy a set but there was a 2 to 3 month wait just as they were being released in Australia in the early part of this year. The sales person told me that when they come in, they just can't keep them on the shelves! They are going for $785 AUD a piece here. Christmas deal sees you walk out the door with a free wiring loom. I ended up with a set of LightForce Genesis 50w HID, a solid light designed and built here in Australia. Have to support the locals guys you know...

Wow, that is crazy... That was the situation when we saw you there in March/April, figured demand would have waned or their supply could have increased enough... I guess now. The Light Force stuff is great too, as you know all the E7 trucks run them and I've been very impressed.

 

[Chris Boyd]

Kurt-

I'm contemplating the iron moose light bar to mont up on my rack. I was thinking of the flood option as you mention you have, as I'd like to light up as much as the forward path as I can.

Do you get any hood reflection with flood unit mounted up there?